ACTION PLAN:

• Collect your materials: select a blank journal, a spiral notebook, or loose-leaf paper and a 3-ring binder and a pen/pencil. Pick something you feel comfortable using...something you will enjoy writing in and writing with.

  TIP: I personally use a combination of materials as well as my computer. I find writing by hand keeps me more in tune with my thoughts, whereas typing goes faster. I also find myself using a particular mode depending on the circumstances. When I'm mad, I'll punch something out on my computer...an excellent forum for venting for me. When I'm reflective, I'll write in a "pretty" journal. When my mind is going a mile a minute, I'll write in a journal. You choose what works best for you.

• Set aside a time to write every day: choose from early morning, some time during the day or right before bed. Arrange it to be a time free of distractions.

  TIP: Several years ago I started writing "morning pages" as a result of reading The Artist's Way by Julie Cameron. I strongly recommend this. Writing before bed has worked for me too. Again, do what works best for you.

• Decide how much to write: commit to a certain amount of time (i.e. minimum of 15 minutes) or a certain quantity of pages (i.e. fill two pages). Determine a reasonable "minimum"...you can always write more. The idea is to establish the habit of writing every day...if you aim to write too much at a time, you may find yourself skipping days and therefore breaking the habit. It takes 21 days to create a habit.

  TIP: Journal Writing Prompts are great to use when you want to write about something but don't know what. Also, check out our Chapters Syllabi for ideas on personal essays you can generate while writing in your journal.